Lost Trade Me Package: What to Do in NZ

My expensive item from Trade Me is lost, how do I get my money back in NZ?

Quick Summary

If your Trade Me package is lost, first confirm the courier company's policy for lost items. If the investigation confirms it's lost, you may be entitled to compensation from the courier or potentially the seller, depending on the circumstances and Trade Me's dispute resolution process.

Details

What to do if your Trade Me package is lost in New Zealand:

  1. Contact the Seller Immediately: The first step is always to inform the seller that the item has not arrived. They are typically the ones who contracted the courier service.
  2. Track the Package and Courier Investigation: Work with the seller to track the package. The courier company will usually conduct an investigation into the lost item. Understand their process and timelines.
  3. Understand Courier Liability: Most courier companies have policies regarding lost or damaged items. The level of compensation often depends on whether the sender opted for insurance or declared the value of the item.
  4. Trade Me's Dispute Process: If the item is confirmed lost and you paid through Trade Me's payment system, you may be able to open a dispute through Trade Me's platform. They have procedures in place to help resolve issues between buyers and sellers.
  5. Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA): As a consumer in New Zealand, you are protected by the CGA. Goods must be of acceptable quality and fit for purpose. If an item is not delivered, it is not fit for purpose. If the seller is a business, the CGA applies directly. If the seller is a private individual, the CGA may not always apply in the same way, but Trade Me's own terms and conditions will often provide recourse.
  6. Payment Provider Protection: If you paid via credit card or a service like PayPal, you might have additional buyer protection options available through your payment provider.
Source: Reddit - r/newzealand